Apartment Waiting Lists

[megumi85]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this! I wasn't sure.

Anyway, I'm currently apartment hunting for this fall, and wanted to ask for some advice. I've found a couple complexes I like. The leasing office recommended I complete a waiting list application and pay the application fee and deposit now so that I can have "top choice" when an apartment "opens up." They said they expect early August availability but can't say for sure yet.

Is this normal? When I lived off campus in undergrad I rented a house with friends and never had to deal with this. Do apartments usually refund the deposit if they can't find an apartment after all, or if you find a place through a different apartment complex while waiting? I'm a little confused. It seems strange to pay a deposit before you know if you even have an apartment. I can understand the application fee a little.

Thanks for your thoughts!

[michpc]

I've never heard of this, but I've also never lived in, or had a desire to live in, any sort of apartment complex. I would add that if you give them an application fee, I doubt you'll get that back, as they use it to run your credit and such, which I assume they'd do before adding you to a waiting list.

[rising_star]

AVOID! It's probably a complex that caters primarily to undergraduates.

[IRdreams]

I don't know for sure...but it seems kinda scamy... I usually avoid anything that seems even a little weird when it comes to spending large sums when apt hunting.